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Igreja de São João Baptista

Cimo da Vila de Castanheira - Vila-Real

This church was built between the 13th and 14th centuries therefore, it has a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles.  In the 20th Century, the roof and the cornice of the lateral facade of the nave caved in, leaving the nave exposed to the elements until its restitution in 1990.  The church is composed of a nave and main chancel both rectangular with a gable roof made of wood.
The western façade is finished off with a triangular gable crowned by a cross.  The main doorway is very simple.  A round arch is formed by two voussoirs devoid of decoration.  Above it there is a small opening and three modillions that would have supported an old portal.
 On the south side, there is a doorway similar to the main one, however, it is narrower and there is rectangular window that illuminates the interior.  Lastly, it is important to mention the collection of figurated corbels located on the north facade and the isolated tower with a quadrangular floor plan closes off the cemetery to the East.
 
In the interior, the triumphal arch possesses a palmette, rosette and cross motif on the voussoirs.  The impost blocks are decorated with foliage and representations of anthropomorphs and the lateral walls have mural paintings dating back to the 16th century.  The granite baptismal font is located next the entrance.
 

Cimo da Vila de Castanheira

Location

Románico Atlántico
Junta de Castilla y LeónFundación Iberdrola EspañaGoverno de PortugalFundación Santa María la Real del patrimonio históricoDiócesis de SalamancaDiócesis de ZamoraDiócesis  de AstorgaDiócesis de Ciudad Rodrigo